Manchester Storm 1 Sheffield Steelers 4

Bob Westerdale

Sheffield Steelers’ Brits stole the show in a 4-1 win at Manchester Storm, as they ended their Challenge Cup Group duties to ease into the knockout rounds.

Yorkshireman Brad Day admirably backstopped the visitors to the Roses win, with Welsh skipper Jonathan Phillips posting a rare brace. Steelers wing Jason Hewitt also scored against his home town club.

Back-up goalie Day’s appointment between Sheffield’s posts got off to an uncompromising start; he was beaten by Vinny Scarsella at 2;36. Storm held on to the lead until 24;01 when Hewitt levelled.

Then came a real turning point for Steelers - whose Power Play has been one of the worst in the EIHL. The side have experimented in different PP roles for Chris Lawrence and he and Mathieu Roy engineered a chance that was executed by Fredrik Vestberg at 28;52. Day ensured the 2-1 lead remained intact at the Altrincham rink.

Then Phillips bagged his double, hitting the net within three minutes of each other and both assisted by Tyler Mosienko. Steelers have topped Group B in the competition with six wins from their seven previous games, yet have had a mixed recent sequence of scores in the League.

But Day’s glove, blocker and pads ensured Steelers saw off the final part of the Cup round-robin programme.